Small SUVs saferRecent studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that small SUVs are clearly safer than small pickups.

Skid controlMuch of winter driving is counterintuitive. But the Bridgestone Winter Driving School gives tips to controlling your vehicle in the sloshy wet stuff.

Winter tires offer drivers peace of mindTired of getting stuck in your drive way when it snows and then white-knuckling it every time a light turns red? Modern winter tires offer increased safety and peace of mind in all winter conditions.

Time to cover upTo help preserve a special vehicle you have to invest a few hours and dollars to do it right. Simply pulling your cherished vehicle into the garage, or worse, just parking it in the driveway, can mean death to your vehicle.

The future of crash testingWhile the agency has done a good job of making its crash test results known to the public, NHTSA sees several ways that it could improve existing NCAP tests and add more ratings.

Hybrid confusion?Hybrid has become a household word, but the term hybrid encompasses mild, full, plug-in and two-mode variations. Confused? Here's some hybrid help.
Photo gallery: 2008 Hybrids

How NHTSA tests vehicle safetyNHTSA is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation and it conducts automotive safety testing in its New Car Assessment Program. So let’s take a look at NHTSA’s testing procedures.

Life101: How to buy a used carCall them used, call them pre-owned, call them more affordable. Just don't call them a gamble, right? Bob Stonchus, a senior buyer with CarMax in Tinley Park, offers these tips for buying a used car.

Car-wash throwdownSummer is fading fast and for one reason or another you haven’t gotten around to cleaning up the old buggy. Well it’s not too late to put a shine on your ride.

Find the best tire fitOne way to improve your vehicle’s looks, perform maintenance and improve performance all at one time is to buy a new set of tires. In response to economic uncertainties and high fuel costs many car owners are going the “makeover” route by improving their current vehicles instead of buying new. A new set of tires could help improve your fuel mileage.

Gas painsUnfortunately I can’t recommend any “miracle” fuel additives, special air flow filters or electronic chip replacements. However, I can make suggestions on how to drive your current vehicle to its full fuel potential.

Safety firstEach year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names its top safety picks. Though these aren’t the only ratings available, the vehicles that earn these honors are among the safest on the road.

How the IIHS does safety testingFor many buyers, especially those with families, safety is a major concern when shopping for a vehicle. Photo gallery: Crash test five-star cars

Life 101: Learn how to parallel parkWhen it comes to parallel parking, the city driver beats the suburban driver hands down. The biggest obstacle to backing a car into a curbside spot? Fear.

Life 101: How to jump-start a carThe average life span of a car battery is about five years. But extreme heat and cold can take its toll. Learn how to jump-start a car's dead battery.

Winterize, then driveThe heart of winter means plenty of warnings for motorists. But just as the operational facets of a vehicle are crucial in bitter weather, so are the things you bring along in your vehicle.

Motor into the holidays The holidays sure can be tough. I mean how do you buy for the guy or gal who seemingly has everything? Here's a guide to some of the four-wheel-related gift ideas.

Holiday headache: Packing for roadtripsNearly eight in 10 Americans plan to drive for their next family vacation, although nearly six in 10 Americans experience stress before or during a family road trip. Avoid potential road trip disasters and focus on quality family time with tips to reduce stress and pack the family truckster.

Wax on, wax offWith summer coming to an end and the dawn of a new season, we have to prepare our beloved vehicles for either the winter or to be placed in storage. Here is a step-by-step guide on detailing your car.
Photo gallery: Detailing your car

Lessons for every-day drivingOver the past couple years, I’ve had several encounters with the Land Rover driving instructors. And after every experience, I always learn something new about driving.

Getting ready for winter no snow job

Some adventuresome folks still are occasionally driving convertibles with lowered tops. But it's high time to remember that warm weather is behind us and to make sure your car or truck is ready for winter.

The grateful tread: Take care of your tires

The only thing between a car or truck and the road are tires, but surveys show too many people neglect them -- sometimes with dire results.

An expert's tips on keeping your car looking good

Although surrounded by car-care products, veteran Chicago area vehicle detailer Larry Emmons said "just wash it" when asked about the single most important thing a vehicle owner can do to keep it looking sharp.

Everyone forgets about their tires. Don't.

Have most drivers forgotten about tire safety because last year's big Ford Explorer-Firestone tire controversy has faded?

Follow these tips and save big at the pump

Soaring gasoline prices in the Chicago area call for economical driving if motorists don't want to feel broke after each fill-up.

Car shopping 101

It is possible to buy a new vehicle without spinning your wheels. In fact, it can even be fun.

Simple rules keep drivers safe

The bad news is that no motorist ever will be able to handle a car as well as a professional racer, stunt driver or a graduate of a costly advanced car-control course at one of the few high-performance driving schools.

Parking pitfalls

Oooops! You're driving in a one-way lane in a parking lot and suddenly see another car rushing the wrong way at you.

Trip tips If you get stranded

Most people regard winter driving as sloppy and uncomfortable. Few think of it in terms of life or death situations.

Bright ideas for night driving

Many hate night driving.

Bad-weather driving takes unusual care, preparation

Motorists of any age in any car easily can get into trouble at this time of year if they take driving for granted.